the pentagon budget chief says the effect also be felt across the country. >> frankly, this is one of the least -- or the most distasteful tasks i have faced in my four years in this job. >> the associated furloughs will impact our war fighters, our veterans and family members in untold ways. >> adding his voice to the budget debate, secretary of state john kerry, who says the fiscal impasse is a serious threat to american credibility around the world. >>> investigators uncovered the body of a woman killed in a huge explosion in downtown kansas city. and there are fears that at least one more body may be buried in the debris after a gas leak sparked a blast and fire in a popular dining and shopping district. the explosion went off tuesday night after a construction crew struck a natural gas line. >>> winter storm warnings from albuquerque to chicago. kansas is in the storm's bull's-eye with heavy snow, whiteout conditions and freezing rain on top of that. at least one fatality is being blamed on the storm so far. hundreds of flights have been canceled ahead of the system. >>> here's a